Lawmakers in Senegal have advanced a controversial bill aimed at tightening penalties for same-sex relations, a move that has ignited intense debate both domestically and internationally.

According to reports by Reuters, the proposed legislation seeks to amend existing criminal provisions by increasing sanctions against individuals found guilty under the country’s current laws. Senegal already criminalizes same-sex relations, but supporters of the new bill argue that stricter measures are necessary to “protect cultural and moral values.”

However, rights groups are raising red flags. BBC News reports that human rights advocates warn the move could further isolate LGBTQ individuals and heighten fears of discrimination, harassment, and violence. International observers say the proposal may also draw scrutiny from global rights bodies monitoring civil liberties in West Africa.

Regional analysts quoted by Al Jazeera note that the bill reflects broader tensions across parts of the continent, where debates over sexuality, religion, and sovereignty continue to shape legislative agendas.

Supporters within Senegal’s parliament maintain that the bill reflects the will of a large segment of the population, while critics insist that legal reforms should prioritize inclusion and human rights protections.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, attention now turns to whether it will pass into law — and what impact it could have on Senegal’s domestic climate and international relations.